Glass washer and polisher

ABSTRACT

A glass washer and polisher is shown having a base comprising a top plate and a bottom plate with premolded bearing sections therein. A plurality of gear and brush holders which are also molded are mounted within the bearing portions of the top plate and bottom plate of the base. A submersible drive motor is oriented with its axis perpendicular to that of the base and through its drive gear and an idler drives the gear and brush holders. An overflow drain is provided through the base to accommodate the smaller sink sizes customarily found in bars, kitchens, and chemical research facilities which may be quite small. The motor is provided on a short shaft which renders the unit considerably more stable in operation, and offers the twofold advantage of cooling the motor to increase its life expectancy and at the same time warning the water to improve the efficiency of washing and polishing glass elements.

United States Patent Van Horn [54] GLASS WASHER AND POLISHER [72] Inventor: Gilbert N. Van Horn, Pompano Beach,

[21] Appl. No.: 5,764

[52] U.S. Cl ..l5/76 [51] Int. Cl ..A471 15/38, B67c 1/08 [58] Field of Search ..15/56, 71, 74-76,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 835,925 11/1906 Will ..15/76 2,639,451 5/1953 Ford ..15/76 3,131,408 5/1964 MacDonald ..l5/76 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,440,595 4/1966 France ..l5/76 Primary ExaminerEdward L. Roberts Attorney-Dominik, Knechtel & Godula [5 7] ABSTRACT A glass washer and polisher is shown having a base comprising a top plate and a bottom plate with premolded bean'ng sections therein. A plurality of gear and brush holders which are also molded are mounted within the bearing portions of the top plate and bottom plate of the base. A submersible drive motor is oriented with its axis perpendicular to that of the base and through its drive gear and an idler drives the gear and brush holders. An overflow drain is provided through the base to accommodate the smaller sink sizes customarily found in bars, kitchens, and chemical research facilities which may be quite small. The motor is provided on a short shaft which renders the unit considerably more stable in operation, and offers the twofold advantage of cooling the motor to increase its life expectancy and at the same time warning the water to improve the efficiency of washing and polishing glass elements.

7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEU FEM I872 I INVENTOR.

Gilbert N. Van Horn SHEET 1 BF 3 A 7 TORNE VS PATENIED mm are sum 2 or 3 A TTOR/VEVS mammal ma 3338.268

SHEET 3 0f 3 INVEF'ITOR.

Gflber: N- Van Horn BY W a ATTORNEYS GLASS WASHER AND POLISI-IER The present invention relates to a glass washer and polisher, and more particularly a glass washer and polisher having a base portion susceptible of molding out of plastic which is selflubricating and self-cleaning.

Glass-washing devices of the character in which the brushes are submerged, and which have an upstanding drive shaft and motor have been used in the art. Such devices, however, have invariably been made of metallic parts, and require grease seals, the employment of stainless steel or other plated constructions in the material, and-are inherently at the mercy of the contaminants in sink water when used. Furthermore, the need for mounting the motor above the water level has made them awkward to use.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a glass washer and polisher in which the base elements are susceptible of molding out of economical plastics, and assembled with stainless steel fastening members or the like for an economical construction.

A related and important object of the invention is to provide such a construction of a glass-washing device in which the driving parts are lubricated by water.

Still a further object and significant object of the present invention is to provide a glass washer and polisher with a plastic base member which is moldable and which relies for its lubrication upon water, in which the action of the gears submerged in water or other fluid is a pumping action, and creates a pressure differential on the interior of the base case portion to drive fluids outwardly thereby reducing the ingestion of contaminants which could result in undue gear wear and other damage to the interior moving parts.

Still another and more detailed object of the present invention is to provide a glass-washing device. for submerging in a sink in which provision has been made for a sink overflow drain thereby permitting the device to be used in a sink construction of an irreducible minimum size commensurate with the size of the glass-washing device itself.

An additional object of the present invention looks to a construction in which the drive shaft is shortened from those used in the prior art, and a submersible motor employed affording the twofold advantage of using the water in the sink to cool the motor, and at the same time heat dissipated by the motor keeps the water warm which assists in the action of washing and polishing the glasses. The reduced drive shaft length, additionally renders the unit more stable when positioned in either a large or a compact sink.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The inventive concept contemplates, in varying degrees of combination, a base housing for a glass-washing device a molded base including a top and bottom plate with a drain port in the lower plate and a water-permeable but close-fit seal between the bottom plate and the top plate skirt. Interiorly of the base are a plurality of gear and brush holders. The gear and brush holders are all formed from an identical mold, advantageously for economy. No metal or special bearings are necessary since the gear bearing sleeves rotate against the top and bottom plate bearings, in water, which reduces the skin friction temperatures to a lower level and also provides a fluid base for the rotation relatively between the gear sleeves and the bearing walls at approximately 300 r.p.m. An overflow port is provided in the housing to the end that where an overflow pipe is required in the sink, it can pass through the base of the unit thus permitting the same to be mounted on a diagonal within a small sink without blocking the overflow discharge to the base of the sink. The submersible motor provides a low silhouette and while being cooled by the washing water thus insuring long life, also serves to keep the water warm thereby improving the washing and polishing action.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further objects and advantages as well as a more complete understanding of the present invention will become apparent as the following description of an illustrative embodiment proceeds, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation illustrating in phantom lines the position of the glass washer and polisher within a sink and its use with the motor submerged.

FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view taken along section line 22 of FIG. 1 illustrating the relative position of the brushes and the overflow drain.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the molded base portion of the glass washer and polisher taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a further plan sectional view of the molded base taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an end view, partially broken and sectioned, taken from the right end portion of the glass washer and polisher shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a left end view of the glass washer and polisher taken from the left end of the illustration in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is a top view in reduced scale of the glass washer and polisher shown in FIG. 1 partially broken to show the relationship between the overflow drain and the drain plug positioned within the sink in which the glass washer and polisher is used.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the overflow drain showing a portion of the base of the glass washer and polisher taken along section line 88 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation taken from the same position as FIG. 1 in reduced scale illustrating diagrammatically the use of a test tube brush and other configurations of brushes in a unit which may be employed for washing and polishing chemical-type equipment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the glass washer and polisher and the brushes illustrated therein as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 1 l is a perspective view of the weight compensator and stabilizer as shown in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT As noted in FIG. 1., the glass washer and polisher 10 is positioned within a sink 59, affording a low silhouette so that the submersible motor and water heater 11 is substantially beneath the water level 13. A molded base 12 at the bottom of the unit comprises a base top plate 20 and a base bottom plate 21 supported atop rubber feet 39 which in turn are secured to the foot legs 38. An overflow drain 14 is provided which extends through the base 12 and determines the water level 13.

In operation a typical glass 37 is grasped by the hand 43 of the operator, and placed over the top of the rotating brushes 15 (which interact as shown in FIG. 2) to both polish and wash the glass 37 on the inside and outside. The motor mount 16 is provided with a short drive shaft 17 (to be described hereinafter) which positions the submersible motor and water heater 11 in close proximity to the base 12, thereby providing a glass washer and polisher in which the longest dimension of the base is substantially double that of its overall height which provides additional stability to the unit. Each brush 15 has a brush stem 46 with an extending brush pin 45 which fits within the bayonet lock collar 30. The locking relationship is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5. As best shown in FIG. 2, the brushes 15 are in diamond-shaped orientation on the four corners, with a fifth brush therebetween. The corner-spaced brushes are not positioned to peripherally engage each other, but all are positioned to peripherally engage the center brush.

Turning now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be seen that the motor mount 16 secures the motor sleeve 31, and is conveniently held therein by means of a setscrew 47 (see FIG. 6). The drive shaft 17 extends downwardly and has a drive shaft threaded end 23 to which the drive gear 25 is fitted. As shown in FIG. 4, an idler gear 19 meshes with the drive gear 25 to accomplish a speed reduction from the drive gear 25 from 1,725 r.p.m. to 300 r.p.m. on the idler gear 19 and the gear and brush holders 18 (the latter having the same number of teeth and proportion as the idler gear 19). An idler gear cap 22 (see FIG. 3) is molded in the base top plate 20 atop the center portion ofthe idler gear 19.

The specifics of the gear and brush holder 18 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, where it will be seen that each gear and brush holder 18 has an upper bayonet lock collar 30 and a lower gear bearing sleeve 48. A bayonet slot 53 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is provided at the upper portion of each bayonet lock collar 30 and engages the respective brush pins 45 of the brushes 15. A gear web portion 24 extends from the intersection of the bayonet lock collar 30 and the gear bearing sleeve 48 outwardly to provide the base for the gear teeth 28. As particularly shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, bearing portions 27 are molded as downwardly facing collars in the upper portion of the base top plate 20 and upwardly facing collar members in the base bottom plate 21. The terminus of the bearing portions 27 is sufficient to provide clearance for the gear web portion 24 of the gear and brush holder 18. Shown also in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the drive gear shield and stiffener 29 of the base bottom plate 21 positioned to support the drive shaft end of the base top plate 20 and shield the drive gear 25 from contaminants, and also assist in the pumping action occasioned between the meshing of the drive gear 25 and the idler gear 19.

Spacer mounting studs 34 (see particularly FIG. 4) are molded in upstanding locations on the base bottom plate 21. They are conveniently tapped to receive the base mounting screws 35. In addition, upstanding spacer 36 are provided to insure a proper well-spaced separation between the base top plate 20 and the base bottom plate 21.

In some instances the weight of the submersible motor and water heater 1] is such that the weight should be compensated at the wide end of the molded base 12. To this end the weight compensator and stabilizers 40 are provided which are shown in their mounted positions in FIG. 4. Each of the weight compensator and stabilizer bars 40 is provided with a mounting stud hole 44 and a spacer hold 42 (see FIG. 11) to conveniently fit over the spacers 36 and mounting studs 34 as shown in FIG. 4. Further contributing to the stability of the unit are the rubber feet 39 as outlined above, which are secured in place by means of the foot screws 41 (see FIG. 6) into the foot legs 38.

To assist in the fluid flow of lubricant washing water and also to avoid the crushing of contaminants between the gear teeth 28, a single base drain 51 is provided in the base bottom plate 21 (see FIG. 4). Additionally, the base top plate skirt 49 is molded to provide a gap to serve as a base water inlet 50 between the entire periphery of the top plate skirt 49 and the outer periphery of the base bottom plate 21 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The action of the drive gear 25 and the meshing of the numerous gear teeth 28 between the gear and brush holders l8 and the idler 19 is such as to provide a positive pressure and constant agitation of fluids within the molded base 12. By providing an enlarged single base drain 51 in the base bottom plate 21, and the entire narrow base water inlet 50 around the periphery of the base 12, the flow of fluids is primarily upwardly through the narrow base water inlet 50, and outwardly through the single base drain In those instances where the operation is such as to permit lemon and orange seeds, fruit peelings and the like to pass through the base drain 51, it can be advantageously provided with a screen or other water permeable member to thereby reduce if not eliminate the possibility of contaminants fouling the gear teeth 28.

As discussed above, another advantageous feature of the glass washer and polisher relates to the provision of and the use of the overflow drain 14 as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. There it will be seen that the overflow drain 14 in the form of an upstanding pipe terminates in an overflow drain pipe elbow 55 at its lower portion, and fits within the overflow drain pipe collar 54 which is molded within the base bottom plate 21. The overflow pipe elbow 55 is provided with a hose attachment fitting 57 to which the hose 56 is affixed by merely press-fitting the same thereon. At the opposite end of the hose 56 a drain plug elbow 58 is provided and connected with a drain plug 60 which fits within the bottom of the sink 59. Thus, particularly as illustrated in the top view in FIG. 7, the entire glass washer and polisher 10 fits within the confines of a square sink 59, and immediately atop the sink drain 63. Without the provision of the overflow drain 14, the unit could not conveniently function within the confines of the sink 59 as shown, and still provide the assuredness of the overflow drain action. Additionally, the upper end of the overflow drain 14 is provided at a level slightly beneath the top of the submersible motor and water heater 11 to provide for and to indeed insure adequate cooling of the motor 11, and of course the related advantage of maintaining the water within the sink 59 at a temperature which insures good glass-washing action.

Further as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, it will be seen that test tube brushes 61 may be inserted in the same position as the standard brushes 15, and other configurations of brushes can be employed for the washing of test tubes, petri dishes, and other glass containers commonly seen in chemical and other research facilities.

In review it will be observed that the glass and polisher 10 when in use provides for a firm scrubbing and polishing action on all surfaces of glasses, test tubes, and other containers being washed. The submersible motor and water heater ll coacts with the configuration of the overflow drain 14 to assure a proper level of water within the sink 59, and in addition to minimize the size of the sink 59 in which the glass washer and polisher can be used. Furthermore, the water flow within the molded base 12 precipitated by the coaction of the numerous gears therebeneath is confined and directed to provide a flow calculated to reduce the possibility of contamination and yet to constantly maintain lubrication and cooling of the gear and brush holders 25 as well as the idler gear 19 and the drive gear 25.

While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments and applications, no intention to restrict the invention to the examples shown is intended, but rather to include within the invention all of the subject matter defined by the spirit as well as the letter of the annexed claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A submersible glass-washing and polishing device comprising, in combination,

a submersible motor and water heater,

a drive shaft extending downwardly from said motor, and a drive gear on the drive shaft a base housing comprising top tions,

a plurality of bearing portions in the upper surface of said case,

a plurality of bearing portions in the bottom plate immediately beneath the bearing portions in the top plate,

a plurality of gear and brush holders characterized by a circular body portion terminating in gear teeth, the central portion of which comprises an upwardly oriented bayonet lock collar which is hollow to receive a brush base stem,

means for securing the upper and lower plate portions of the base together sandwiching the gear and brush holders therebetween in a diamond-shaped configuration with a gear and brush holder at the center thereby providing five of the same, said gear and brush holders being mounted in the opposed bearing portions of the top and bottom plate portions of the base housing,

an idler gear between one gear and brush holder and said drive shaft gear all of the aforesaid gears being molded of a plastic material,

whereby all moving parts secured to the drive shaft and operative for receiving a plurality of bristle brushes are molded of plastic and water-lubricated.

2. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above,

a drain in the bottom plate portion of the base,

plate and bottom plate pora peripheral water-permeable groove around the lower portion of the bottom plate where it joins the top plate portion of the base admitting water therebetween but excluding large particulate materials,

whereby the gear pumping action of the five cluster gears when in operation will draw water through the water permeable groove between the top plate and bottom plate of the base and pump and same outwardly through the drain, thereby flushing the interior portion of the base of collected contaminants of larger particle size.

3. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above,

a plurality of bristle brushes each having a brush base stem,

said base stems having a brush pin extending therefrom and a bayonet lock collar extending upwardly of the gear and brush holders for removably and lockingly receiving the stem portion of said bristle brushes.

4. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above,

a through-port passing through the entire base,

and means for leading a sink overflow drain therethrough,

and means for connecting said sink overflow drain directly to the sink drain,

whereby said glass-washing device can be positioned submersibly in a sink having a small dimension and yet ac- 0 plate being characterized by a dependent skirt on its periphery substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flat portion of the base top plate,

and said bottom plate being proportioned to have its periphery in close but not watertight relationship with the overlapping depending skirt of the top plate of the base,

so as to form said peripheral water-permeable groove 7. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above,

a weight compensator and stabilizer sandwiched between the top plate and bottom plate of the base remote from the drive gear to provide additional weight offsettingly balancing the unit when submerged. 

1. A submersible glass-washing and polishing device comprising, in combination, a submersible motor and water heater, a drive shaft extending downwardly from said motor, and a drive gear on the drive shaft a base housing comprising top plate and bottom plate portions, a plurality of bearing portions in the upper surface of said case, a plurality of bearing portions in the bottom plate immediately beneath the bearing portions in the top plate, a plurality of gear and brush holders characterized by a circular body portion terminating in gear teeth, the central portion of which comprises an upwardly oriented bayonet lock collar which is hollow to receive a brush base stem, means for securing the upper and lower plate portions of the base together sandwiching the gear and brush holders therebetween in a diamond-shaped configuration with a gear and brush holder at the center thereby providing five of the same, said gear and brush holders being mounted in the opposed bearing portions of the top and bottom plate portions of the base housing, an idler gear between one gear and brush holder and said drive shaft gear all of the aforesaid gears being molded of a plastic material, whereby all moving parts secured to the drive shaft and operative for receiving a plurality of bristle brushes are molded of plastic and water-lubricated.
 2. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above, a drain in the bottom plate portion of the base, a peripheral water-permeable groove around the lower portion of the bottom plate where it joins the top plate portion of the base admitting water therebetween but excluding large particulate materials, whereby the gear pumping action of the five cluster gears when in operation will draw water through the water permeable groove between the top plate and bottom plate of the base and pump and same outwardly through the drain, thereby flushing the interior portion of the base of collected contaminants of larger particle size.
 3. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above, a plurality of bristle brushes each having a brush base stem, said base stems having a brush pin extending therefrom and a bayonet lock collar extending upwardly of the gear and brush holders for removably and lockingly receiving the stem portion of said bristle brushes.
 4. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above, a through-port passing through the entire base, and means for leading a sink overflow drain therethrough, and means for connecting said sink overflow drain directly to the sink drain, whereby said glass-washing device can be positioned submersibly in a sink having a small dimension and yet accommodating an overflow drain.
 5. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 4 above, said overflow drain comprising an upstanding tubular member, the upper portion of the tubular member being in a horizontal plane adjacent to top of the submersible motor and water heater thereby determining the submersible level of the motor and water heater.
 6. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 2, said base top plate being characterized by a dependent skirt on its periphery substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flat portion of the base top plate, and said bottom plate being proportioned to have its periphery in close but not watertight relationship with the overlapping depending skirt of the top plate of the base, so as to form said peripheral water-permeable groove
 7. In the glass washer and polisher of claim 1 above, a weight compensator and stabilizer sandwiched between the top plate and bottom plate of the base remote from the drive gear to provide additional weight offsettingly balancing the unit when submerged. 